Daily Readings - Fri Jul 22 2022
First Reading - Song of Solomon 3.1-4a or 2 Corinthians 5.14-17
Song of Solomon
1By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.2I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.3The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?4It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.
2 Corinthians
14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
John
1The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.11But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound expressions of love and devotion. The first reading from the Song of Solomon portrays the bride’s relentless search for her beloved, symbolizing the deep longing of the soul for God. Her journey through the night, despite not finding him immediately, reflects the perseverance required in our spiritual lives. The second reading from John’s Gospel shifts our focus to Mary Magdalene, whose unwavering dedication leads her to the tomb of Jesus. Her tears of sorrow turn to joy as she encounters the risen Christ, embodying the transformative power of faith and love.
Both narratives highlight the universal human experience of seeking and finding. The bride’s search in Song of Solomon mirrors Mary’s quest in John’s Gospel, illustrating that our journey toward God is often marked by both struggle and grace. These stories remind us that faith involves persistence and trust, even in the face of uncertainty. Just as Mary Magdalene’s encounter with Jesus brought her joy and purpose, our own encounters with God can transform our lives, providing us with the strength to face challenges and the courage to share His love with others.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we seek God in our own lives. Do we approach Him with the same persistence as the bride and Mary Magdalene? Let us remember that God is always present, even when we cannot see Him. May we, like Mary, embrace the joy of encountering Christ and share that joy with others. In doing so, we fulfill our calling to be witnesses of His love and to live as children of the light, guided by the hope of eternal life.